Teen Gives His Testimony About Living for the Lord

The following testimony is from Antonio who – through your generous giving – Orphan Helpers has mentored and guided during his two years in a Salvadoran juvenile detention center:

I want to share a little bit about my life. I was born into a family in El Salvador composed of my mom, my step-father, and my two brothers.

When I was 11 years old, I started to hang out on the streets and began to smoke cigarettes and marijuana. Not long after that, at the age of 12, I got involved in gangs.

Over the years, I got myself into deeper and deeper trouble. I was threatening and extorting money from families.

Finally, in November 2014 the police arrested me. At the age of 15, I was sentenced to 10 years behind bars.

One year into my sentence, an unforgettable event happened to me. I was experiencing anxiety and anguish over all I had done. I looked for God and He came near to me. I know God doesn’t care how we surrender. All He cares about is that we do.

Ever since He came to me, He hasn’t abandoned me nor forgotten me. He helps me with my trials and struggles. I know victory is hard, but with Him it’s possible. My priority is to stay close to God because I know that apart from Him I can do nothing.

I am now 17 and living in this detention center. One day I will be freed from here. When I am, I have the desire to leave this place prepared to teach the word of God and be used by God. I know I have much to learn, but with His help I know I can.

Even if it’s just a little impact, I desire that the will of God will be accomplished in my life. I want to honor the name of God. God bless you all.